Halloween is less than a week away and everyone in the spirit of the holiday is preparing for the oncoming adventures and shenanigans that will surely ensue. Whether that is staying in with a Monster Movie Marathon, chilling with some friends at a small get together, or spending a night out in the city, we all know planning is the key to a successful night of uninterrupted tom foolery. Because I am sure we are all well aware of how much it sucks to witness a night fall apart too early.
A night in may not be so difficult, but if a party or exploring what the city has to offer is what you seek then here are a few tips to help keep the Hallow's Eve oddity going through the night.
1. Make a general plan
This one may seem obvious or it may not. Because who actually wants to stick to a plan on a night that supposed to embrace spontaneity? Don't worry, there is a way to still welcome surprises while also avoiding the bad ones. Know your options. Look up what is going on in the city. Calculate what your budget is. Decide what places you might want to check out and which places you would rather skip. Learn what is around, and pick a place to start. It saves time on the actual night and you and your friends can bicker about making the big decisions sooner rather than later.
Need ideas? Here's a short list to get you started: https://www.timeout.com/san-francisco/nightlife/sa...
2. Learn the bus routes
Better yet, download Routesy (http://routesy.com/ ) so you know when exactly the buses are coming. Which means, no more waiting half an hour at that dimly lit bus stop three blocks from the party! Learning the routes also includes knowing the area you will be going around. Not only will it be safer, but it will save you time and money, as well as serve as a last resort if your phone betrays you and suddenly gives up for the night.
3. If you can look awesome and be comfortable, do it
It is going to be a long night. Don't wear that one piece, if you know somewhere down the line you will be sick of taking it off every time you have to use the restroom. Also, wear shoes that can last you through the night, meaning leave those heels at home if possible. Unless your costume so desperately needs it, why bother with the extra weight at the end of the night. As always in the city of never ending fog and people, wear layers because it will be hot indoors and cold as winters night as soon as you step outside.
4. But if you do wear heels, bring flats too
Seriously, having these foldable flats in your purse will save your entire night, especially if you plan on taking on the night in heels. They are cute and this way you won't have to go barefoot by the end of it all.
It's a great investment for Halloween and future nights out. And you can get them at your local target!
5. Know your host
It never hurts to know what exactly you are getting into. Do you know the people throwing the party and will you be comfortable with what you might find there? Don't be afraid to ask questions if you have them.
And if you are going out into the city, look into what kind of venue it is, how much it may cost, what kind of crowd will be there, etc. Because no one wants to show up to a Masquerade in a cookie monster onesie.
6. Use the Buddy System
7. Download Uber/Lyft
You need to get home somehow. And when that friend of yours that has had one too many insists on taking Muni home by themselves in a not so nice part of town, at least you know you have come prepared with Lyft Line.
And if worse comes to worse, memorize the cab number. It's pretty simple, (415)333-3333.
6. Plan on getting a bite to eat after
Drunchies. Drunk munchies are a very real thing. Be prepared to give some options when you all look at each other and have no idea what to eat. Your friends will love you for it.
7. Drink some water
8. Don't aim to get wasted, aim to have a good time
This night is about having fun and making memories (fuzzy or not) with the best people in your life. And while a good night may take the schwasted path, at least it was one worth remembering. Don't waste it with the possibility of ending the night on a sour note due to too strong of a determination for inebriation.
